The next stage of the multi-million-dollar Wangetti Trail — stretching between Ellis Beach and Wangetti — will involve more input from the Far North Queensland (FNQ) community, according to the State Government.
Local residents in the Douglas Shire have expressed dissatisfaction with the first 7.8km section from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach. Critics say the project was imposed by southern politicians who failed to consider FNQ's unique conditions or community preferences. This includes concerns over significant portions of the trail, completed less than a year ago, being damaged during the wet season.
In response, the Government announced that Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will now manage the trail from a Cairns-based office instead of Brisbane. This shift is being described as a “turning point” for the long-delayed and over-budget project.
To support the transition, two new Cairns-based roles — a project officer and a community engagement officer — have been created. These positions aim to reduce procedural delays by handling approvals locally and eliminating unnecessary red tape.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said relocating the project team to Cairns is the first step toward building a team that can deliver on the ground.
“Locals have made their concerns clear, and we’re committed to building the right foundations to deliver a world-class trail,” Powell stated.
Cook MP David Kempton added that he hopes the final result is a project FNQ residents can be proud of.
Wangetti Trail
The Wangetti Trail is a 94km, shared hiking and mountain biking track from Palm Cove to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland, with the first 7.8km section from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach currently open to the public. Designed to be a moderate, Grade 3 walk with ocean views and shade from the Wet Tropics rainforest, it is a significant tourism infrastructure project for the region. The full trail is expected to be completed in late 2026, and it runs through Macalister Range National Park and the World Heritage Area.